Koehler decision not huge shake-up

The political falling of dominoes occasioned by state Sen. Dave Koehler's decision not to seek a seat in Congress is proving to be less a cascade than a slight tumble affecting only a handful of races.

The political falling of dominoes occasioned by state Sen. Dave Koehler's decision not to seek a seat in Congress is proving to be less a cascade than a slight tumble affecting only a handful of races.

The Peoria Democrat announced Friday that he will instead run for re-election to the state Senate. That prompted one Senate candidate, County Board member Allen Mayer, to announce he'd drop out of that contest.

Mayer, in turn, announced on Saturday that he'll be seeking re-election to his County Board post. But he'll first have to win a primary election against another Democrat who had previously entered the race, Peoria firefighter Rick Waldron.

"I think I've got a great record to talk about," Mayer said, with the chairman of the county's tax, elections, policy and audit committee boasting of the county having "the lowest property tax rate in about a decade" and a bond rating that has twice improved in the last 10 years.

"I've shown I can work with people from both parties," he said, noting recent unanimous votes on redistricting and the siting of a new landfill - both issues Mayer shepherded through the board approval process.

He said his priorities if re-elected include working on the county's solid waste plan to increase recycling.

Waldron said he's staying in the race because he had decided to enter without any consideration of whether he would face an opponent.

"If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do this wholeheartedly," he said. "I do have respect for (Mayer), I do think he did do a good job with the board."

Waldron said he is running "because I'm just really interested in serving my community. I was born here and raised here."

He said he was pleased that the County Board has managed to keep its budget balanced and will make that a continuing priority if he is elected. Waldron also said it is important to maintain a good relationship between the County Board and labor.

Koehler, too, faces a primary, as Illinois Central College trustee James Polk said Friday evening that he did not intend to withdraw from the Senate race. The winner of that contest - which others could still enter until the 5 p.m. Monday filing deadline - is expected to face Republican developer and restaurateur Pat Sullivan in a general election.

Chris Kaergard can be reached at 686-3135 or ckaergard@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisKaergard